Early Childhood Studies

Science

This course focuses on introducing Science concepts to young children. Participants will learn about the inquiry approach and in particular, the 5-E model. In addition, this course also helps participants recognise and apply features of inquiry in the teaching and learning of Environmental Awareness. Participants will be given ample opportunities to design activities which integrate the use of stories into inquiry-based activities to teach process skills and some basic concepts in Science.

ECS102 Inquiry Approach in Early Childhood Science (6 hours)

This course focuses on introducing Science concepts to young children. Participants will learn about the inquiry approach. In particular, participants will learn the 5-E model for inquiry-based learning. This course focuses on both pedagogy and content knowledge. Participants will explore opportunities for Science inquiry in children's literature, field trips, video clips and children-directed questions. There will be opportunities to design activities using the inquiry approach.

ECS103 Lesson Planning in Early Childhood Science (6 hours)

In this course, participants are engaged in in-depth study of content for selected topics. Common misconceptions and keys to understanding the concepts are discussed. In the planning process, participants will consider teaching approaches, differentiated learning and assessment. Participants will learn to plan integrated lessons that focus on environmental awareness and basic Science concepts.

ECS108 Process Skills in Early Childhood Science (6 hours)

This course is an introduction to process skills that are essential for a strong foundation in science learning. Participants will be engaged in science activities to learn to teach these process skills, from basic ones to higher-order integrated ones, which children can use for inquiry, investigations and problem solving.

ECS117 Learning on Field Trips in Early Childhood Science (3 hours)

In this course, participants learn to plan an outdoor science lesson and integrate science process skills by applying these skills to real-life contexts during learning journeys or field trips.

ECS119 Using Stories and Puppets in Early Childhood Science (3 hours)

Participants will make use of the story-telling approach, complemented with puppets to enhance the teaching of science. This approach encourages children to articulate and explain science concepts behind observable scenarios.